Charles A. Lindbergh is another of my heroes. He was the first person to fly across the Atlantic, a feat comparable today to someone creating their own craft and flying solo to Mars. Lindbergh was a courageous man in death as much as he was in life. After receiving the diagnosis of terminal cancer, he wrote these words to be read at his funeral:

We commit the body of Charles A. Lindbergh to its final resting place; but his spirit we commit to Almighty God, knowing that death is but a new adventure in existence and remembering how Jesus said upon the cross, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.”

I believe down to my cuticles that heaven will be an adventure beyond the craziest fantasies we can envision (The Word for Me is Rescue). I also support the “concept” that death is not to be feared. I can only hope and pray that I face that moment – if I have the choice – with courage, calmness, and confidence.

My favorite uncle, and the toughest man I ever met, died last year. C.W. Harbin – soldier, entrepreneur, devoted husband (60 years) and father, and follower of Christ passed after years of debilitating back pain and losing the love of his life a few years earlier. He left this world with dignity, love and even humor – entering into his new and eternal adventure with – I’m sure – a laugh, a sly quip and a “Grizzly’ size hug for my Aunt Barbara.

So let’s die with faith. Let’s allow the resurrection to sink into the fibers of our hearts and define the way we look at the grave. Let it “free those were like slaves all their lives because of their fear of death” (Heb. 2:15 NCV). Max Lucado, Fearless

It’s the anticipation of a “new existence” that made the movie Avatar my home-run flick of 2009 (Anticipating My Avatar). I pray I live today with faith in that future reality.

I also want Avatar to win the Oscar (how’s that for a random thought).